Processor-controlled variable gain cellular network amplifiers with oscillation detection circuit

ABSTRACT

A system and method for optimal adjustment of gain of a network amplifier, and for substantially reducing oscillation produced by a network amplifier. The network amplifier includes first and second antennas for the transmission of signals between a handset and a base station. The signals are amplified by first and second variable gain modules by an amplification factor as determined by a control circuit. The control circuit determines the optimal value of the amplification factors by analyzing the signals. In the event that an oscillation is detected, the control circuit adjusts the amplification factors in a manner that substantially reduces the oscillation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to the U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/457,406, Filed Jul. 13, 2006, entitled “Detection and Elimination ofOscillation within Cellular Network Amplifiers” to Van Buren, et al,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cellular network amplifiers. Moreparticularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems andmethods for dynamically controlling a network amplifier to provide anoptimal gain level and to minimize amplifier oscillation.

2. The Relevant Technology

In recent years, cellular (“cell” or “mobile”) telephones havedramatically increased in popularity. A growing number of people arerelying exclusively on cell phones, and are abandoning their traditionalland line telephone services in favor of the convenience of the mobilityof cell phones. This increase in cell phone reliance has resulted in theneed for reliable cellular signal coverage over a wider area.

Use of cell phones in areas having a weak signal often result in droppedcalls which can be annoying for the cell phone user and expensive forthe wireless service provider. Dropped calls typically result when thesignal between the cell phone and the base station is lost. A loss ofsignal may occur for a number of reasons, including interference due tobuildings or mountains, or an increase in distance between the cellphone and the base station. Therefore, a particular need exists toincrease the reliability of cell phones near large buildings and invehicles driving long distances in remote areas.

Attempts have been made to increase the reliability of cell phonesthrough use of cell phone signal boosters, also known as cellularnetwork amplifiers. Cellular network amplifiers receive the cellularsignal sent from a base station, amplify the signal, and retransmit thesignal to one or more cell phones. Similarly, the cellular networkamplifier receives the signals from one or more cell phones, amplifiesthe signals, and retransmits the signals to the base station.

Cellular network amplifiers are typically placed in relatively closeproximity to one or more cell phones, and serve the purpose ofincreasing the level of the signals being transmitted to and from thecell phones so that the cell phones can communicate with base stationsthat would otherwise be out of range. Some amplifiers are configured tobe integrated with the cell phone itself or with a cell phone cradle.Alternatively, other amplifiers are configured to be placed in aseparate location from the cell phone itself For example, a cellularnetwork amplifier may be placed in a user's vehicle, or in or near abuilding that would otherwise have poor reception.

Conventional cell phone signal boosters apply constant gain levels tothe signal passing through the amplifier. In general, signal boosterstypically increase signal power to the maximum allowable power aspermitted by the relevant governing agency. Producing this maximumregulatory allowable power can often be beneficial where the signalbooster is located a long distance from the base station. However, ifthe signal booster is located within close proximity to a base stationand the amplifier gain is too high, the signals transmitted from thesignal booster may cause interference to be introduced in thesurrounding cellular network by overloading the base station.Furthermore, over-amplification may also result in an unstableamplifier, causing unwanted oscillation. Both of these conditions willlikely cause harmful interference to the base station and the cellphones connected to it.

The tendency for many cell phone signal boosters to cause interferencecreates a significant problem for wireless service providers by causingdegradation to the overall quality of their service. Since wirelessservice providers often evaluate and approve cellular network amplifiersbefore they are used in the providers' systems, the providers areunlikely to approve signal boosters that cause interference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for substantiallyreducing the presence of oscillation in a cellular network amplifier.The cellular network amplifier amplifies cellular signals by asufficient or variable amount to successfully retransmit the signalsbetween a base station and a handset or cellular phone. However, thecellular network amplifier also ensures that the signals are notamplified to an extent that generates an oscillating condition, whichmay introduce detrimental interference into a surrounding cellularnetwork. In particular, the network amplifier prevents the networkamplifier itself from creating an oscillation that interferes with thecommunication needs of the cellular or wireless network.

In one embodiment, the cellular network amplifier is configured withantennas used in the transmission of cellular signals between a basestation and one or more handsets. The cellular signals received from thebase station and the handsets are amplified by variable gain modules.The amount of amplification is determined by an amplification factor.The value of the amplification factor is controlled by a controlcircuit, such as a microprocessor, based on a number of factors. Forexample, the control circuit analyzes the cellular signals to detect thepresence of an oscillation in the network amplifier. Where anoscillation is detected, the control circuit adjusts the amplificationfactors in a manner that stops the oscillating condition. After thecellular signals are amplified by the variable gain modules, theamplified signals are retransmitted via the antennas to the base stationand the handsets, respectively.

In one alternative embodiment, the amplification factor is determined bymeasuring the signal level of the cellular signal received from thehandset and/or from the base station. If one or both of the cellularsignals exceed a predetermined signal value, the amplification factor isreduced by a predefined amount.

In another embodiment, the amplification factor is simply shut off(i.e., set to a zero value) when oscillation condition is detected.Alternatively, the value of the amplification factor may beincrementally reduced until the oscillation is eliminated. Oneembodiment of the invention combines both of the above aspects, andautomatically shuts off the amplification when a severe oscillation isdetected, but may alternatively incrementally reduce the amplificationuntil the oscillation is stopped.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a cellular communications system;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a unidirectional amplifier;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B are exemplary schematics of bidirectionalcellular network amplifiers; and

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B are flow diagrams of exemplary methods forsubstantially reducing the presence of oscillation in a networkamplifier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention relate to amplifiers that enhance theability of a device such as a cellular telephone to communicate in awireless network. The present invention extends to a cellular networkamplifier that dynamically adjusts the gain applied to a cellularsignal. One embodiment of the network amplifier variably adjusts itsgain as needed. The ability to automatically adjust the gain applied toa cellular signal can prevent the amplifier from generating signals thatmay interfere with the operation of a cellular network or with theoperation of the network amplifier itself. Too much gain, for example,can cause the network amplifier to oscillate, which results ininterference to the cellular network and adversely impacts users of thecellular network. Also, too much gain increases the amount of residualnoise at the base station.

Embodiments of the network amplifier can be integrated with cellulartelephones (or other devices) or connect with a cellular telephone. Theamplifier acts as an intermediary between a base station (or other cellsite) and a handset (a cellular telephone or other device). Signalsgenerated by the cellular telephone are amplified and retransmitted bythe network amplifier. The network amplifier also receives signals fromthe base station and transmits them to the cellular telephone.

The cellular network amplifier receives a first cellular signal from abase station via a first antenna and a second cellular signal from ahandset via a second antenna. A control circuit analyzes the cellularsignals to determine the presence of oscillation, and adjusts anamplification factor in a manner that eliminates the oscillatingcondition. The adjusted amplification factor is applied to the firstand/or second cellular signals, and the resulting cellular signals areretransmitted via the first and second antennas to the base station andthe handset, respectively.

For purposes of the present invention, the following definitions areprovided. The terms “cellular” and “cellular network” refer to awireless telephone network that connects radio transmissions between amobile phone and a system of multiple cell sites, each including anantenna and a base station, to a mobile telephone switching office, andultimately to the public wire line telephone system. Cellular calls aretransferred from base station to base station as a user travels fromcell to cell. One of skill in the art can appreciate that embodiments ofthe invention can be applied to other wireless networks including thoseoperating on various frequencies throughout the electromagneticspectrum.

By way of example, the phrase “cell phone” refers to a wireless devicethat sends and receives messages using radiofrequency signals in the800-900 megahertz (MHz) portion of the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum, andthe phrase “PCS phone” (personal communication system phone) refers to awireless device that uses radiofrequency signals in the 1850-1990 MHzportion of the RF spectrum. For purposes of simplicity, as used herein,the terms “cell phone” and “handset” are intended to cover both “cellphone” and “PCS phone”, as defined above, as well as other handhelddevices. Likewise, as used herein, the phrase “cellular signal” refersto signals being transmitted both in the cell phone spectrum (i.e.,800-900 MHz) and in the PCS spectrum (i.e., 1850-1990 MHz). One of skillin the art can appreciate that embodiments of the invention are notlimited to operation in these frequency spectrums, but can be applied inother portions of the frequency spectrum as well. In addition, otherwireless devices such as personal digital assistants, laptop computers,and the like can benefit from embodiments of the invention.

“Cell site” and “base station” are used herein interchangeably. Cellsite and base station are defined as the location where the wirelessnetwork antenna and communications equipment is placed. A cell site orbase station typically includes a transmitter/receiver, antenna tower,transmission radios and radio controllers for maintaining communicationswith mobile handsets within a given range.

The phrase “uplink signal” refers to the transmission path of a signalbeing transmitted from a handset to a base station. The phrase “downlinksignal” refers to the transmission path of a signal being transmittedfrom the base station to the handset. The phrases “uplink signal” and“downlink” signal are not limited to any particular type of data thatmay be transmitted between a handset and a base station, but instead aresimply used to specify the direction in which a signal is beingtransmitted.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary communications system 100. The communicationssystem 100 may be a cellular telephone wireless network or otherwireless network. In this example, a network amplifier 102 amplifies thesignals transmitted between a base station 106 and a handset 104. In atypical system, the network amplifier 102 is located in close proximityto the handset 104 in comparison to the distance to the base station106. The base station 106 transmits a signal 108 into the surroundingair, which is attenuated for various reasons known to one of skill inthe art as it travels outward from the base station 106. An antenna 110receives the signal 108 and converts the radiated signal into aconducted electrical equivalent.

The network amplifier 102 amplifies the electrical signal andcommunicates the amplified signal to the handset 104. In one example,the network amplifier 102 may retransmit the electrical signal from asecond antenna 112 as an amplified RF signal 114. The amplified signal114 is received by an antenna 116 of handset 104, which processes thesignal and ultimately communicates the appropriate content to a user ofhandset 104. As previously indicated, the network amplifier 102 may bean integral part of the handset 104.

Similarly, the handset 104 may communicate content to the networkamplifier 102 by transmitting an RF signal from the antenna 116, whichis ultimately received by the antenna 112. The network amplifier 102amplifies the received signal and retransmits the signal using theantenna 110. The transmitted signal is received by the base station 106,which may perform a number of operations on the signal, as determined bythe wireless service provider.

FIG. 2 illustrates a generalized unidirectional amplifier 202 configuredfor producing an optimal gain level, in accordance with the presentinvention. The amplifier 202 is connected to an antenna 210 which isconfigured to receive a signal. The antenna 210 converts the receivedsignal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is received by avariable gain module (VGM) 216, which applies an amplification factor tothe electrical signal. In one embodiment, the electrical signal iscommunicated via a second antenna 212, which transmits the adjustedelectrical signal as an RF signal, to be received by one or morehandsets or other devices.

The variable gain module 216 is controlled by a control circuit 214. Thecontrol circuit 214 receives the electrical signal from the antenna 210,and based on the properties of the electrical signal, determines anoptimal amplification factor that should be applied to the electricalsignal. The control circuit 214 provides a control signal to thevariable gain module 216. The control signal instructs the gain module216 as to the amplification factor that should be applied to theelectrical signal. Many factors may be accounted for when calculatingthe required amplification factor. Factors include, by way of exampleand not limitation, the level or strength of the electrical signal andwhether there is any indication that the network amplifier 202 isoscillating or overloading the cellular network in any way.

The amplification factor, in one embodiment, is a multiplier that isapplied to the electrical signal. The amplification factor can result ineither an amplified or attenuated output signal. In other words, wherethe amplification factor is less than one, the amplified adjusted signalwill have lower amplitude than the original electrical signal.Conversely, when the amplification factor is greater than one, theamplified adjusted signal will have greater amplitude than the originalelectrical signal.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a bidirectional network amplifier302 configured to control the amplification of cellular signals beingtransmitted between a base station and a handset. Similar to networkamplifier 202 illustrated in FIG. 2, a cellular signal is received froma base station at the antenna 310 and is passed to both a controlcircuit 314 and a variable gain module 316. Control circuit 314 controlsthe amplification factor of variable gain module 316. The amplifiedsignal may be connected to a second antenna 312, which transmits acellular signal to at least one handset.

Bidirectional cellular amplifier 302 is also configured to receivesignals from one or more handsets, amplify those signals, and retransmitthe signals to a base station. A signal from a handset may be receivedby antenna 312. The signal is routed to a second variable gain module304, which applies an amplification factor to the signal. Theamplification factor is determined and controlled by control circuitry314.

In order to allow antennas 310 and 312 to simultaneously transmit andreceive signals, duplexers (DUP) 306 and 308 are provided by way ofexample. A duplexer is defined as an automatic electrical routing devicethat permits simultaneous transmitting and receiving through a commonpoint. More generally, a duplexer is a three port device with one commonport “A” and two independent ports “B” and “C”. Ideally, signals arepassed from A to B and from C to A, but not between B and C. Forexample, the duplexer 306 receives an RF signal from a base station andconverts the signal into a first electrical signal, which is routed tothe inputs of the variable gain device 316 and the control circuitry314. The duplexer 306 simultaneously receives a second electrical signalfrom the output of the variable gain module 304, and causes this signalto be transmitted as an RF signal via the antenna 310.

The control circuitry 314 may be configured to accomplish variousobjectives when determining the amplification factors to be applied tothe variable gain modules 304 and 316. Exemplary objectives include, butare not limited to, i) setting the power level at which the signals aretransmitted at a sufficient level to ensure that the signals reach atarget destination; and ii) ensuring that the signals transmitted fromthe network amplifier are transmitted at a power level thatsubstantially eliminates the interference that would otherwise beintroduced into the surrounding cellular network.

First, the control circuitry 314 establishes the amplification factorsof the variable gain modules 304 and 316 so that the resultant signalsare transmitted with sufficient power to adequately reach a targetdestination, such as a handset or a base station. Where the cellularsignal received at the antenna 310 has undergone significantattenuation, e.g., when the target destination is located a longdistance away from the network amplifier 302, the amplification factoris increased. Conversely, where the cellular signal received at theantenna 310 is at a sufficiently high level, a lower amplification maybe established for variable gain modules 316 and 304.

Second, the control circuitry 314 ensures that the signals transmittedfrom the network amplifier are transmitted at a power level thatsubstantially eliminates the interference that would otherwise beintroduced into the surrounding cellular network. Many cellularnetworks, such as CDMA systems, are configured such that the power leveltransmitted by each handset in the network is determined by the basestation. When communication between a handset and a base station isinitiated, a “handshake” occurs between the handset and base station,and the base station instructs the handset as to the power at which thehandset should transmit. If the base station determines that the signalfrom the handset is too strong, it will instruct the handset to reducethe power level of the transmitted signal. The CDMA system is designedso that all of the signals coming into the base station are ofapproximately the same power. If one signal arrives at the base stationat a power level that is significantly higher than the others, it canpotentially overpower the base station and cause interference with theother handsets in communication with the base station.

Therefore, the control circuitry 314 may determine the maximum amplitudeor power level that can be transmitted by antenna 310 to substantiallyeliminate interference. Interference is considered to be substantiallyeliminated when signals are transmitted from the network amplifier 302without causing harmful effects to the surrounding cellular network. Forexample, interference is substantially eliminated where the signals aretransmitted without overpowering the base station, or otherwiseinterfering with other handsets within the cellular network in a waythat degrades their performance. The control circuitry 314 may establishthe amplification factors applied to variable gain modules to eitherattenuate or amplify the electrical signals in order to achieve thisobjective.

The determination of the amplification factor values may be dependent onwhether the signals received from the base station via antenna 310exceed a threshold value. The threshold value may be a predetermined setvalue, or may be a variable that is not established until the controlcircuitry 314 makes a determination. For example, if after analyzing thestrength of the signals received via antenna 310, the control circuitry314 determines that the signal attenuation between cellular networkamplifier 302 and the target base station or handset is substantial, thecontrol circuitry 314 may establish higher threshold values than if thebase station signal was less attenuated. The higher threshold valueswould allow a greater amplification factor to be applied to the signalsso that the transmitted signals will reach their target destination.Because of the substantial distance over which the signals musttraverse, the signals will arrive at the target destination (e.g., abase station) without exceeding an appropriate power level, and willtherefore not overpower the base station or cause substantialinterference with signals transmitted from other handsets.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the amplification factors applied to thevariable gain modules 316 and 304 are both determined based on theattributes of the signal received from a base station via the antenna310. The input signal from the base station is received by the controlcircuitry 314 from the antenna 310 at the connection 318, and radiatedto a handset via antenna 312. The control circuitry 314 can make anumber of determinations based on the attributes of the base stationsignal. First, the control circuitry 314 can determine the amplitudelevel of the signal from the base station. Based on the amplitude, thecontrol circuitry can determine an adequate amplification factor for thevariable gain module 316 to enable communication of the received signalto a handset. Second, the amplitude of the signal received from the basestation is also an indicator of the amplitude required to successfullytransmit a signal back to the base station via the antenna 310. Forexample, if the control circuitry 314 measures low amplitude of thefirst electrical signal, it is likely that the signal transmitted by thebase station has been substantially attenuated between the base stationand the network amplifier 302. Therefore, it can determine theamplification factor required by the variable gain module 304 so thatthe second electrical signal originating from the handset isretransmitted with sufficient power to reach the base station.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a network amplifier. Similarto the network amplifier illustrated in FIG. 3A, the network amplifier352 includes an antenna 360, a first and second duplexer (DUP 1) 356 and(DUP 2) 358, respectively, a first and second variable gain module 354and 366, (included within the dashed boxes), control circuitry 364(indicated by the dashed box), and an antenna 362. More particularly,the variable gain module 366 includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) 368and a gain controlled amplifier (GCA) 370. The gain module 354 containsan intermediate amplifier (IA) 374 and a gain controlled amplifier (GCA)372. The gain controlled amplifiers 370 and 372 may include voltagecontrolled amplifiers, digitally controlled programmable gainamplifiers, and the like. The input of the control circuitry 364 isreceived from the output of the low noise amplifier 368 for providing anadequate signal to be used for determining the amplification factors.

The control circuitry 364 includes, in this example, a detectoramplifier (DA) 376, an RF detector 378, and a gain controller 380.Detector amplifier 376 amplifies the input signal to a level sufficientfor driving RF detector 378. The RF detector 378 produces an outputwhich is indicative of the signal level produced by the output of thelow noise amplifier 368. As described above, the control circuitry 364may be configured to accomplish various objectives when determining theamplification factors to be applied to the variable gain modules 366 and354.

For example, based on the output of the RF detector 378, the gaincontroller 380 may increase the amplification factors applied to gaincontrolled amplifier 370 or 372 to ensure that the resultant signalshave sufficient power and amplitude to provide satisfactory results.Where the input signal received by the network amplifier 352 by means ofantenna 360 is sufficiently weak, the gain controller 380 typically setsthe amplification factors to a maximum available value.

Furthermore, the gain controller 380 may decrease the amplificationfactors where it is determined that the signal levels would otherwiseoverload the base station, or otherwise cause harmful interference tothe cellular network. In one embodiment, when the output of the RFdetector 378 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the gain controller 380turns off the gain controlled amplifiers 372 and 370. In other words,the control circuit 364 switches the amplification factor to a zerovalue when the level of the cellular signal received from the basestation exceeds a predetermined value, and switches the amplificationfactor to a non-zero value when the signal level falls below thepredetermined value.

In another embodiment, the gain controller 380 does not simply switchthe gain controlled amplifiers on or off, but instead adjusts theamplification relative to the level of the signal received from the basestation. In other words, the control circuit 364 sets the value of theamplification factors as a function of the level of the cellular signalreceived from the base station.

In one embodiment, the amplification factors applied to the gaincontrolled amplifiers 370 and 372 are equivalent. However, in anotherembodiment, the amplification factors applied to the gain controlledamplifiers 370 and 372 need not be the same. Although the gaincontroller 380 may only receive a single input signal, the gaincontroller may be configured to have two independent output signals toaccount for the unique requirements of the gain controlled amplifiers370 and 372. In another embodiment, the changes made to the first andsecond amplification factors occur in identical incremental amounts.Therefore, even where the values of the amplification factors may not beidentical, the changes made to the first amplification factor may matchthe changes made to the second amplification factor.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a network amplifier 402configured to generate optimum gain levels for the transmission ofsignals including radio or cellular type signals. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4A includes first and second antennas 410 and 412,respectively, first and second duplexers (DUP 1) 406 and (DUP 2) 408,respectively, first and second variable gain modules (VGM) 404 and 416,respectively, and control circuitry 414. The antenna 412 is configuredfor transmitting downlink signals to at least one handset, and forreceiving uplink signals from the same. The antenna 410 is configuredfor transmitting uplink signals to a base station, and for receivingdownlink signals from the same. The control circuitry 414 may includeanalog circuits, digital circuits either with or without amicroprocessor, or a combination of both.

The control circuitry 414 controls the amplification factors applied tothe variable gain modules 404 and 416. Similar to the control circuitry314 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the control circuitry 414may be configured to ensure that sufficient gain is applied to thecellular signals to ensure that the signals reach their targetdestination, and further ensure that the power level at which thesignals are sent does not overload the base station.

The network amplifier 402 communicates with handsets via antenna 412,and is not directly connected to the handsets via a connector. Theamplification factor applied to variable gain module 404 is calculatedusing the characteristics of the signals received from the handsets, aswell as from the base station. In this example, the control circuitry414 receives input signals from the antenna 410 and the antenna 412(i.e., connections 418 and 420, respectively). By monitoring thecharacteristics of the signals received from the handset and from thesignals received from the base station, the control circuitry 414 canmake more accurate determinations regarding the level at which signalsshould be transmitted to the base station and to the handsets.

In addition to accomplishing the above objectives, the control circuitry414 may further be configured to substantially eliminate oscillationthat may be generated by the network amplifier 402. When multipleantennas (e.g., antennas 410 and 412) are employed, embodiments of theinvention ensure that the network amplifier 402 does not begin tooscillate. If the antennas 410 and 412 are too close to each other, anoscillation may result, which will likely cause harmful interference toa base station and/or the handsets connected to it and precludeeffective communications. Oscillation in the network amplifier 402 istypically caused by feedback that may occur between the two antennas 410and 412. If the gains produced by variable gain modules 404 and 416 aresufficiently low, the network amplifier 402 will remain stable. However,when the gains are high with the antennas physically too close to eachother, the system will likely become unstable, and begin to oscillate.

The introduction of oscillation by an amplifier into a cellular networkcan be a serious problem. Network amplifiers are often installed by anend user instead of by a wireless service provider. Consequently, thewireless service provider cannot easily predict or mitigate theinterference introduced by oscillation. The oscillating signals producedby the network amplifier 402 can extend beyond the intended target(i.e., the base station or handset) and intermingle with other signals.As a result, an oscillating signal from one cellular network amplifiercan disrupt the communication links between a base station and thehandsets within range of the oscillating amplifier. Since suchoscillating signals are not on controlled frequencies, they may eveninterfere with other users of the electromagnetic spectrum.

For example, a common use for the network amplifier 402 is to amplifycellular signals being transmitted to and from a building. In anin-building scenario, the network amplifier 402 may be configured suchthat the antenna 412 is located within the interior of the building, andthe antenna 410 is located on the exterior of the building. Cellularsignals transmitted from a base station are received at the externalantenna 410, amplified by variable gain module 404 in accordance withthe amplification established by control circuitry 414, andretransmitted by the internal antenna 412. Because the signals receivedfrom the base station are on the same frequency as the signalstransmitted by the antenna 412, a potential for feedback exists, thusincreasing the likelihood of an oscillating circuit. This likelihood isparticularly high where the antennas 410 and 412 are located withinclose proximity to one another, and where the amplification of thevariable gain modules 404 and 416 are set at a high level.

Therefore, the control circuitry 414 may be configured to prevent theoccurrence of oscillation within the network amplifier 402. The controlcircuitry 414 achieves this objective by analyzing the signal levels ofthe inputs 418 and 420. When an oscillating condition exists, the levelsof the signals received via the antennas 410 and 412 are typicallysignificantly higher than when the network amplifier 402 is operating atnormal conditions.

When the control circuitry 414 detects conditions that may indicateoscillation, the control circuitry 414 will eliminate the oscillatingcondition. The control circuitry 414 may turn off the entire networkamplifier 402 so that the handsets communicate directly to the basestation instead of through the amplifier 402. Alternatively, the controlcircuitry 414 may first attempt to only turn off the variable gainmodules 404 and 416.

In an alternative embodiment, the control circuitry 414 may decrementthe amplification of the variable gain modules 404 or 416 until theoscillation ceases. By decrementing the amplification factors instead ofimmediately shutting off the network amplifier, the oscillation can beeliminated while still maintaining some level of gain. This process canbe applied to the variable gain modules 404 and 416, simultaneouslytogether, one at a time, or in any other manner.

The network amplifier 402 may include a visual display for indicatingthe existence of an oscillating condition. For example, the visualdisplay may include a light emitting diode (LED), or the like. Thedisplay may indicate that an oscillation has occurred in the past (buthas since been eliminated by either shutting down the amplifier 402 orby reducing the gain of the variable gain modules 404 and/or 416) andmay indicate the presence of an existing oscillation. After a user isaware of an oscillating condition, the user may reposition the antennas410 and/or 412 so that the amplifier 402 may produce a larger gainwithout the introduction of oscillation.

The network amplifier 402 may also include a Time Division MultipleAccess (TDMA) detector 422 for detecting if a signal is a TDMA signal,and for adjusting the operation of the control circuit 414 when a TDMAsignal is detected. Because TDMA signals utilize a non-continuoustransmission pattern (i.e., each TDMA telephone transmits in rapidsuccession, one after another), a TDMA signal that is sufficientlystrong may cause the control circuit 414 to erroneously detect thepresence of an oscillating signal. Therefore, the control circuit 414may treat the TDMA signal as an oscillating signal by attenuating oreliminating the TDMA signal. To avoid this result, the TDMA detector 422is provided to detect the presence of a TDMA signal, and to notify thecontrol circuit 414 when a TDMA signal is detected. When the controlcircuit 414 is notified of the presence of a TDMA signal, the controlcircuit may alter its functionality so that the TDMA signal is nottreated as an oscillating signal.

For example, upon being notified of the presence of a TDMA signal, thecontrol circuit 414 may stop analyzing the signals received from thebase station and from the handset to determine the presence of anoscillating signal. However, the control circuit 414 may continue toanalyze the TDMA signals to determine the value of the amplificationfactors to be applied to the uplink and downlink signals to ensure thatthey are transmitted at sufficient power sufficient to reach theirtarget destinations.

Although the TDMA detector 422 is illustrated as receiving the downlinksignal from the base station, the TDMA detector may be configured toreceive the uplink signal from a handset, the downlink signal from thebase station, or both signals. Furthermore, the TDMA detector 422 may beintegrated with the control circuit 414.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a network amplifier. Similarto FIG. 4A, the network amplifier 452 includes first and second antennas460 and 462, respectively, first and second duplexers 456 and 458,respectively, first and second variable gain modules, indicated bydashed boxes 466 and 454, respectively, and control circuitry, indicatedby dashed box 464.

The first and second variable gain modules 454 and 466 may include lownoise amplifiers (LNA) 468 and 482, controllable attenuators (CATT) 470and 484, intermediate amplifiers (IA) 472 and 486, and gain controlledamplifiers (GCA) 474 and 488. The electrical signals generated byantennas 460 and 462 are initially amplified by the low noise amplifiers468 and 482. The resultant signals may be attenuated by controllableattenuators 470 and 484. The amount of attenuation is dependant on firstand second attenuation factors, as determined by the control circuitry464. The resultant signal is amplified and buffered by intermediateamplifiers 472 and 486. The use of intermediate amplifiers 472 and 486may vary depending on the gain levels required of the cellular networkamplifier 452. The resultant signal is amplified by the gain controlledamplifiers 474 and 488 by an amount dependant on gain factors asdetermined by the control circuitry 464.

The control circuitry 464 includes, in this example, at least twodetectors 478 and 490 that detect the signals at the output of theintermediate amplifiers 472 and 486. The results are provided toprocessor 480, which determines amplification factors for the variablegain modules 466 and 454. Each amplification factor includes a gainfactor for the gain controlled amplifier 474 or 488, and an attenuationfactor for the controllable attenuator 470 or 484. The processor 480 mayincrease or decrease the gain applied to the electrical signals whileattempting to ensure that the transmitted signals reach their targetdestination (i.e., a handset or a base station). In the presentembodiment, gain is increased by increasing the gain factor applied tothe gain controlled amplifier 474 or 488. The processor 480 thuscontrols the gain applied to the gain controlled amplifier 474 or 488.

The processor 480 may further be configured to reduce or substantiallyeliminate interference that may be caused, by way of example, fromoverloading the base station. As described above, when the networkamplifier 452 emits signals at excessive power levels, the base stationmay be overloaded, causing interference with the overall cellularnetwork. Therefore, the processor 480 monitors the signal levels asprovided by detector 478 or 490 to determine whether the signal levelsexceed a threshold value. When the threshold is exceeded, the processor480 may reduce the overall gain by either increasing the attenuationfactor applied to the controllable attenuator 470 or 484, or bydecreasing the gain factor applied to the gain controlled amplifier 474or 488.

The processor 480 may similarly be configured to reduce or eliminateinterference that may be caused from oscillation. When the detector 478or 490 provides readings that indicate an oscillating condition, theprocessor 480 may incrementally change the attenuation factors appliedto the controllable attenuators 470 and 484 and/or the gain factorsapplied to the gain controlled amplifier 474 or 488 in order to reducethe overall gain produced by the variable gain module 466 or 454. Theattenuation factor may be incrementally increased, and the gain factormay be incrementally decreased. After each incremental change in theattenuation and/or gain factors, processor 480 analyzes the signallevels to determine if the oscillating condition still exists. If theamplifier 452 is still oscillating, the processor 480 increments thegain and/or attenuation factors again, and repeats the process until theoscillation has been eliminated, or at least reduced to an acceptablelevel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, additional detectors 476 and492 are provided for the purpose of quickly eliminating any oscillationthat may be generated by the network amplifier 452. While detectors 478and 490 can be used to eliminate or reduce any oscillation byincrementally changing the gain and attenuation factors, as described inthe previous embodiment, this mechanism may be too slow to precludeinterference. Unfortunately, significant disruption can be caused to acellular network within a much shorter period of time when an amplifieris oscillating. Therefore, detectors 476 and 492 are employed to providea safety mechanism that can immediately eliminate oscillation when theoscillation exceeds a predetermined level. The detectors 476 and 492provide the processor 480 with a reading of the signal level at theoutput of the low noise amplifier 468 or 482. If this reading exceeds apredetermined level, the processor 480 immediately shuts down allelements of the network amplifier 452 that are causing the oscillationto occur. The user is notified of the oscillation condition, and theuser may reposition the antennas 460 and 462 in an attempt to eliminatethe condition creating the oscillation. In this manner, disruption dueto high levels of oscillation is prevented.

Although not shown, the network amplifier 452 may further include a TDMAdetector, described above in reference to FIG. 4A. The TDMA detector mayinclude an independent circuit, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, or may beintegrated with the processor 480. The TDMA detector notifies theprocessor 480 of the presence of a TDMA signal and the processor 480 canthen alter its functionality so that the TDMA signal is not treated asan oscillating signal. For example, upon being notified of the presenceof a TDMA signal, the processor 480 may stop analyzing the signalsreceived from the detectors 476, 478, 490 and 492 to determine thepresence of an oscillating signal. However, the processor 480 maycontinue to analyze the TDMA signals to determine the values of theamplification factors to be applied to the uplink and downlink signalsto ensure that they are transmitted at sufficient power to reach theirtarget destinations.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate flow diagrams for exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention. The following description of FIGS. 5A and 5B mayoccasionally refer to FIGS. 1-4B. Although reference may be made to aspecific element from these figures, such elements are used forillustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit or otherwisenarrow the scope of the present invention unless explicitly claimed.

FIG. 5A illustrates a flow diagram for a method 500 of reducingoscillation in a network amplifier. Method 500 includes receiving 502 adownlink signal at the network amplifier from a base station via a firstantenna, and receiving 504 an uplink signal from a handset via a secondantenna. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the downlink signal may bereceived from antenna 410 or 460, and the uplink signal may be receivedfrom antenna 412 or 462.

The downlink and/or uplink signals are analyzed 506 to determine thepresence of an oscillation created by the network amplifier. If anoscillation is detected, the amplification factor is adjusted 508 in amanner that substantially reduces the presence of the oscillation. Inthe embodiments of FIGS. 4A and 4B, control circuitry 414 or 464performs the analysis of the cellular signals and the adjustment of theamplification factor. Oscillation is considered to be substantiallyreduced when the presence of oscillation is reduced to a level that doesnot introduce interference into the surrounding cellular network.

In one embodiment, the step of analyzing 506 the cellular signalsincludes measuring a signal level of the downlink and/or uplink signals.The measured signal levels are compared to predetermined values. Thepredetermined values may be selected based on a value that, if exceededby the downlink and/or uplink cellular signals, is likely to beindicative of an oscillating condition within the cellular networkamplifier.

In one embodiment, where the predetermined value is exceeded, theamplification factor is reduced by an amount necessary to substantiallyreduce the oscillation. For example, the amplification factor may beincrementally reduced until the downlink and/or uplink signals fallbelow the predetermined value. Alternatively, the amplification factormay be automatically reduced to a zero value in the event that thesignal level of the downlink and/or uplink signals exceeds thepredetermined value. On the other hand, if the predetermined value isnot exceeded, the amplification factor may be established so as toproduce first and second amplified cellular signals that are strongenough to be successfully transmitted to the cellular telephone and thebase station, without increasing noise at either the base station or thehandset beyond a tolerable limit. In other words, the amplificationfactor may be increased to a value that allows signals to be transmittedbetween the handset and the base station without poor reception ordropped calls.

Method 500 further includes applying 510 the adjusted amplificationfactor to the uplink and downlink signals. As illustrated in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the adjusted amplification factor is applied to the signalsusing variable gain modules 404 and 416, or 454 and 466. As describedabove, the amplification factor may actually include a first and secondamplification factor, where the first amplification factor is applied tothe downlink signal (e.g., using variable gain module 416 or 466), andthe second amplification factor is applied to the second cellular signal(e.g., using variable gain module 404 or 454).

Method 500 also includes transmitting 512 the first amplified cellularsignal to the base station via the first antenna, and the secondamplified cellular signal to the at least one handset via the secondantenna.

FIG. 5B illustrates a flow diagram for a method 550 performed by acontrol circuit for use in a cellular network amplifier. The cellularnetwork amplifier includes first and second antennas and at least onevariable gain module. As described herein, the cellular networkamplifier is configured for the amplification and transmission ofcellular signals between a handset and a base station. The method 550includes analyzing 552 the cellular signals to determine the presenceand degree of oscillation within the cellular network amplifier. Basedon this analysis, the control circuit makes the determination 554 ofwhether an oscillation is detected at a degree that exceeds apredetermined value.

The predetermined value may be selected to represent a degree ofoscillation that if exceeded, produces a severe level of interferenceinto a surrounding cellular network. If it is determined that the degreeof oscillation exceeds the predetermined value (i.e., the degree ofoscillation is likely to generate severe interference), theamplification factor is immediately set 556 to a zero value. If, on theother hand, it is determined that the degree of oscillation is detectedat a degree that does not exceed the predetermined value (i.e., thedegree of oscillation is either negligible or relatively minor, thuscausing no interference or relatively mild interference), theamplification factor is repeatedly decremented 558 until the oscillationis substantially reduced.

Finally the control circuit instructs 560 at least one variable gainmodule to apply the resultant amplification factor to the cellularsignals. For example, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the control circuit 414 or 464may instruct variable gain modules 404 and 416 or 454 and 466 as to whatamplification factor to apply to the cellular signals.

In one embodiment, if it is determined that the cellular networkamplifier does not have any significant degree of oscillation, method550 may further include establishing the amplification factor so thatthe retransmission of the cellular signals has sufficient power to betransmitted to the base station and/or handset.

FIG. 6A illustrates one embodiment of a method 600 for detecting andsubstantially reducing oscillation in a network amplifier. A cellularsignal is received 602 by a first antenna. The cellular signal isamplified 604 by an amount determined by a first amplification factor.The resultant amplified cellular signal is transmitted via a secondantenna to a target destination, such as a handset or base station.

After the cellular signal is received 602 by the first antenna and whilethe first amplification factor is being applied to the cellular signal,the level of the cellular signal is measured 606, thereby acquiring afirst signal level. The first signal level is recorded, and then asecond amplification factor, which is less than the first amplificationfactor, is applied 608 to the cellular signal. In one embodiment, thesecond amplification factor is approximately a zero value (i.e., thepower amplifier amplifying the cellular signal may be turned off).

While the second amplification factor is being applied to the cellularsignal, the level of the cellular signal is measured again 610, therebyacquiring a second signal level. The second signal level is compared 612to the first signal level. If the second signal level is significantlyless than the first signal level, then it is determined that the use ofthe first amplification factor is likely causing an oscillatingcondition to occur. Therefore, the first amplification factor is reduced616 by a predetermined amount, and the process may be repeated until thefirst amplification factor is reduced by a sufficient amount toeliminate the oscillating condition. However, if the second signal levelis not significantly less than the first signal level, it is likely thatan oscillating condition does not exist while first amplification factoris applied to the cellular signal. Therefore, the first amplificationfactor remains unchanged 614, and the process may be repeated.

FIG. 6B illustrates another method 650 for detecting and substantiallyreducing an oscillating condition within a network amplifier. Ingeneral, the method 650 includes the process of measuring 652 and 658 acellular signal level and comparing 654 and 659 the signal level to oneor more threshold values. The amplification factor applied to thecellular signal is adjusted 656 and 660 based on the results of thecomparisons. The results of multiple comparisons are analyzed 662 inorder to detect a pattern that indicates that the presence of anoscillation is likely, and the amplification factor applied to thecellular signal is adjusted 664 in order to eliminate the oscillatingcondition.

In particular, and in one exemplary embodiment, after a cellular signalis received via an antenna and an amplification factor is applied to thecellular signal, the level of the cellular signal is measured 652 inorder to determine 654 whether the cellular signal exceeds a predefinedmaximum threshold value. If the signal level of the cellular signal doesnot exceed the maximum threshold value, the method 650 continuesmeasuring 652 the cellular signal and comparing 654 the signal to themaximum threshold value.

In the event that the signal level of the cellular signal exceeds themaximum threshold value, the method 650 reduces 656 the amplificationfactor applied to the cellular signal. Following the reduction of theamplification factor, the methods of 650 remeasures 658 the signal levelof the cellular signal. The method 650 then compares 659 the new signallevel to the maximum threshold value and to a predetermined minimumthreshold value. If the signal level still exceeds the maximum thresholdvalue, the method 650 will continue to reduce 656 amplification factorapplied to the cellular signal until the signal level no longer exceedsthe maximum threshold value. If the signal level measured at 658 fallsbetween the maximum threshold value and the minimum threshold value, themethod repeats itself, starting with the measurement at 652. However, ifthe signal level measured at 658 falls below the minimum thresholdvalue, the amplification factor applied to the cellular signal isincreased by a predetermined amount.

Finally, the results of the comparisons and/or the adjustments made tothe amplification factor are analyzed 662 in order to determine if anoscillating condition likely exists. In one embodiment, the measuredsignal levels are analyzed in order to detect a pattern that mayindicate the presence of an oscillation.

For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the measured signal levels areanalyzed in order to detect an alternating pattern, where themeasurements of the signal levels alternate between exceeding themaximum threshold level and falling below the minimum threshold level.Therefore, an oscillation is identified if the signal level recordedduring a first measurement exceeds the maximum threshold level, thesignal level recorded during a second measurement falls below theminimum threshold level, and the signal level recorded during a thirdmeasurement exceeds the maximum threshold level. Likewise, anoscillation is also identified if the signal level recorded during afirst measurement falls below the minimum threshold level, the signallevel recorded during a second measurement exceeds the maximum thresholdlevel, and the signal level recorded during a third measurement fallsbelow the minimum threshold level.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A network amplifier, comprising: a first antenna for communicatingsignals to and from a base station; a second antenna for communicatingsignals to and from a handset; a first variable gain module having aninput coupled to the first antenna and an output coupled to the secondantenna, the first variable gain module applying a first amplificationfactor to first signals received from the base station; a secondvariable gain module having an input coupled to the second antenna andan output coupled to the first antenna, the second variable gain moduleapplying a second amplification factor to second signals received fromthe handset; and a control circuit coupled to the first and secondvariable gain modules, wherein the control circuit is configured to:analyze at least one of the first signals and the second signals todetect the presence of an oscillation, and in the event that anoscillation is detected, set the first amplification factor and thesecond amplification factor for substantially reducing the oscillation;and set the first amplification factor and the second amplificationfactor so that, in the event that oscillation is not detected, signalstransmitted from the first antenna have sufficient power to betransmitted to the base station and signals transmitted from the secondantenna have sufficient power to be transmitted to the handset.
 2. Thenetwork amplifier as recited in claim 1, wherein the first variable gainmodule comprises a first gain controllable amplifier connected with afirst controllable attenuator and the second variable gain modulecomprises a second gain controllable amplifier connected with a secondcontrollable attenuator.
 3. The network amplifier as recited in claim 2,wherein: the first amplification factor includes a first attenuationfactor applied to the first controllable attenuator and a first gainfactor applied to the first gain controllable amplifier; and the secondamplification factor includes a second attenuation factor applied to thesecond controllable attenuator and a second gain factor applied to thesecond gain controllable amplifier.
 4. The network amplifier as recitedin claim 3, wherein at least one of the first attenuation factor and thesecond attenuation factor is increased and at least one of the firstgain factor and the second gain factor is decreased when oscillation isdetected.
 5. The network amplifier as recited in claim 1, wherein thecontrol circuit further comprises a processor for performing analysis onsignal levels, the processor configured to analyze at least one of thefirst signals and the second signals to detect the presence of anoscillation, and in the event that an oscillation is detected, set thefirst amplification factor and the second amplification factor forsubstantially reducing the oscillation.
 6. The network amplifier asrecited in claim 5, wherein the control circuit further comprises afirst detector for measuring a level of the first signals and a seconddetector for measuring a level of the second signals, wherein the levelsare communicated to the processor.
 7. The network amplifier as recitedin claim 6, wherein the processor sets the first amplification factorand the second amplification factor to a value between zero and one forattenuating at least one of the first signals and the second signals inthe event that an oscillation is detected.
 8. The network amplifier asrecited in claim 7, wherein the processor sets the first amplificationfactor and the second amplification factor to a zero value in the eventthat an oscillation is detected at a level exceeding a predeterminedvalue, and wherein the processor incrementally reduces the firstamplification factor and the second amplification factor in the eventthat the oscillation is detected at a level that does not exceed thepredetermined value.
 9. The network amplifier as recited in claim 8,wherein the control circuit further comprises a third detector formeasuring the first signals and a fourth detector for measuring thesecond signals, and wherein the processor sets the first amplificationfactor and the second amplification factor to the zero value in theevent that at least one of the levels detected by the third and fourthdetectors exceed a predetermined threshold.
 10. A network amplifier,comprising: a first antenna for receiving a downlink signal from a basestation; a second antenna for receiving an uplink signal from a handset;a first variable gain module connected with the first antenna, whereinthe first variable gain module applies a first amplification factor tothe downlink signal to generate an adjusted downlink signal, theadjusted downlink signal transmitted to the handset via the secondantenna; a second variable gain module connected to the second antenna,wherein the second gain module applies a second amplification factor tothe uplink signal to generate an adjusted uplink signal, the adjusteduplink signal communicated to the base station via the first antenna;and a control circuit comprising: a first detector that receives thedownlink signal and determines a level of the downlink signal; a seconddetector that receives the uplink signal and determines a level of theuplink signal; and a processor that: analyzes the levels of the downlinkand uplink signals to detect the presence of an oscillation, and in theevent that an oscillation is detected; the processor adjusts the firstamplification factor and the second amplification factor tosubstantially reduce the oscillation; and in the event that oscillationis not detected, sets the first amplification factor and the secondamplification factor so that signals transmitted from the first antennahave sufficient power to be transmitted to the base station and signalstransmitted from the second antenna have sufficient power to betransmitted to the handset.
 11. The network amplifier as recited inclaim 10, wherein: the first variable gain module comprises a first gaincontrollable amplifier and a first controllable attenuator; and thesecond variable gain module comprises a second gain controllableamplifier and a second controllable attenuator.
 12. The networkamplifier as recited in claim 11, wherein: the first amplificationfactor includes a first attenuation factor that controls the firstcontrollable attenuator and a first gain factor that controls a firstgain controllable amplifier; and the second amplification factorincludes a second attenuation factor that controls the secondcontrollable attenuator and a second gain factor that controls a secondgain controllable amplifier.
 13. The network amplifier as recited inclaim 12, wherein at least one of the first attenuation factor and thesecond attenuation factor is increased and at least one of the firstgain factor and the second gain factor is decreased when oscillation isdetected.
 14. The network amplifier as recited in claim 10, wherein theprocessor sets the first amplification factor and the secondamplification factor to a value between zero and one for attenuating atleast one of the uplink signal and the downlink signal in the event thatan oscillation is detected.
 15. The network amplifier as recited inclaim 14, wherein the processor sets the first amplification factor andthe second amplification factor to a zero value in the event that anoscillation is detected at a level exceeding a predetermined value, andwherein the processor incrementally reduces the first amplificationfactor and the second amplification factor in the event that theoscillation is detected at a level that does not exceed thepredetermined value.
 16. The network amplifier as recited in claim 15,wherein the control circuit further comprises a third detector formeasuring the downlink signal and a fourth detector for measuring theuplink signal, and wherein the processor sets the first amplificationfactor and the second amplification factor to the zero value in theevent that at least one of the levels detected by the third and fourthdetectors exceed a predetermined threshold.